By MADDY VITALE
Jody Levchuk, whose family owns Jilly’s Boardwalk shops in Ocean City, filed his nominating petitions on Monday morning to run for the Third Ward City Council seat.
He will be running against incumbent Third Ward Councilman Tony Wilson in the May municipal election.
“I’m head over heels in love with this town,” Levchuk said in an interview. “As a resident and family business owner, I just feel it is the perfect time for me to step up and use my business acumen and keep things positive.”
Levchuk, 43, said through his years as a business owner and Ocean City resident, he understands what the community needs, from the beaches to the bay, to the Boardwalk, downtown and the hotels.
He added that he understands the importance of tourism, but also preserving what makes Ocean City “America’s Greatest Family Resort.”
“I understand the full dynamic. I need to use the skills I have applied as a businessman to serve the community,” Levchuk said.
Levchuk’s parents, Jill and Paul Levchuk, opened the first Jilly’s shop and moved to Ocean City 43 years ago. They raised Jody and his brother, Randy, a co-owner in the family business, in the resort.
Last year, Levchuk and his wife, Jill, bought a home in the Third Ward, where they are raising their two daughters, Leni, 6, and 5-year-old Jordyn. The girls attend the Ocean City Primary School.
Levchuk said the school system in Ocean City is excellent.
“The girls go to the primary school. They will go to the intermediate school and the high school,” he noted. “Maybe, someday, they will be doctors or lawyers here.”
Surrounded by his family and friends, Levchuk handed in his petitions to City Clerk Melissa Rasner.
Longtime friends, including School Board member Cecelia Gallelli-Keyes and her brother, Franco Gallelli, came out to show support.
The Gallellis, like the Levchuks, also own a family business, Tahiti Inn, near the Jilly’s shops, and have known the Levchuks for years.
Cecelia Gallelli-Keyes said her family is very fond of the Levchuks. She noted that Jody has done a lot to help out with school events.
Levchuk said, if elected, he would listen to constituents’ concerns over all things that matter on the barrier island.
Flooding issues, clean beaches, a well-maintained Boardwalk, public safety, keeping taxes stable and continuing the city’s family-friendly environment are his key priorities.
“I have a family business. Over the years, we have employed thousands of kids. Many of them are local kids. I spend a lot of time in the community and I will always make the time,” he said. “The amount of support that has been coming for me from my neighbors and my family has been great.”
On Friday, at 4 p.m., all candidates are asked to go to City Hall where they will draw from a hat to determine their ballot position, Rasner said.
